The Oklahoma City Thunder could have stood pat at the 2025-26 trade deadline and still been the title favorite entering the stretch run. But Sam Presti decided to pull the trigger on a fascinating move.
On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Oklahoma City is acquiring guard Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a 2026 Rockets first-round pick and three second-round picks.
The Thunder, who have been loaded with draft capital on top of their success, are parting with a few picks to land a talented young guard in McCain, who was in 2024-25 Rookie of the Year contention before a knee injury, and has continued adjusting in the 76ers' rotation so far this season.
Here's a look at how McCain fits on OKC's roster.
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Thunder projected lineup with Jared McCain
Starters:
G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
G Luguentz Dort
F Jalen Williams
F Chet Holmgren
C Isaiah Hartenstein
Bench:
G Jared McCain
G Alex Caruso
G Ajay Mitchell
G Cason Wallace
G Isaiah Joe
F Aaron Wiggins
F Kenrich Williams
F Jaylin Williams
Oklahoma City's full guard rotation already had an argument as the NBA's best. Now, it's even deeper.
Not only will the Thunder be giving McCain plenty of room to develop and adjust, seeking to reach his 2024-25 level once again, but his skill set will complement the rest of the roster well. There are virtually no holes in OKC's lineup, but if a great team could use more of something, it's shooting.
McCain buried 38.3% of his 3-point attempts while averaging 15.3 points per game as a rookie. This season, he's fallen behind in Philadelphia's backcourt due to Tyrese Maxey's emergence as an All-NBA-level talent, rookie V.J. Edgecombe's quick contributions, Quentin Grimes remaining a factor and recovery from his 2025 meniscus tear that led into the new season.
McCain has averaged just 6.6 points in 16.8 minutes per game this season, but he's also been slowly adjusting to his return to the rotation. Philadelphia has sent him on assignments to the G-League to aid in that development.
In Oklahoma City, there will be no immediate pressure for McCain to put the ball in the basket. Gilgeous-Alexander may be the best guard in the NBA. Ajay Mitchell has become a strong scorer off the bench with 14.1 points per game so far this season, while Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe all provide varying levels of shooting and defense.
McCain won't be needed to contribute too much to an OKC squad that's 40-11 and tracking for the Western Conference's top seed. Primarily, the acquisition will be about adding a talented guard for the long-term; Dort will be a free agent this summer, freeing up some room in the rotation.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injury update
Another piece of Thunder news could have played a role in the McCain trade as well: Gilgeous-Alexander is set to miss some time with an abdominal strain, per Charania, and will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. Oklahoma City is also set to trade Ousmane Dieng to the Hornets for Mason Plumlee, per Jake Fischer.
While acquiring McCain was a long-term move, he can also provide a small boost for however long the reigning MVP and Finals MVP are out.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sustained an abdominal strain and will be re-evaluated following the All-Star break.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
Expect to see McCain play limited minutes with this year's Thunder squad, continuing to develop in a deep guard room. But when he does play, McCain can provide excellent shooting off-the-dribble or catch-and-shoot, already proving last year that he can be one of the best players in the league at relocating off the ball and firing away from 3-point range.